7 Solo Leveling Characters Who Deserved More Spotlight!

This list contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling manhwa!

Summary

Most characters in Solo Leveling merely serve as stepping stones for Sung Jinwoo’s journey to godlike powers.
Several interesting characters like Song Chi-Yul and Liu Zhigang were underutilized, missing the chance for a larger impact.
Strong hunters like Kamish, Siddharth Bachchan, and Christopher Reed died too soon, leaving potential storylines unexplored.

In my perspective, “Solo Leveling” narrates the tale of an individual who started as an underdog, eventually attaining divine powers, and confronting terrifying monsters for the common good. While many stories featuring colossal heroes often provide other characters with their moments in the limelight, “Solo Leveling” primarily concentrates on Sung Jinwoo’s transformation to such an extent that it seems as though the other characters serve merely as milestones along his heroic path.

Throughout the series, many intriguing characters were presented who had the potential to greatly enrich the storyline and provide deeper layers. However, some of them met an untimely demise early on, while others simply faded from memory.

7. Song Chi-Yul

Double Dungeon Survivor

Skills: Fire Magic

Song Chi-Yul guided his ill-fated team into the Double Dungeon. Despite any flaws in his leadership, he was deeply committed to his companions and was prepared to sacrifice himself if necessary for their safety. After the disastrous event, Chi-Yul participated in another mission where Kang Taeshik aimed to eliminate the entire group. With a single force, he valiantly confronted the corrupt inspector to shield Jinwoo and Joohee.

I’d like to spend what I have left contributing to society.

In two distinct events, Chi-Yul was present, yet his overall contribution to the narrative remained modest. Initially, he served as a mentor for Jinwoo, providing guidance that could have assumed a paternal role. As Jinwoo embarked on a journey to grasp his divine abilities, Chi-Yul proved an ideal figure – offering him wisdom and emotional support during his encounters with ethically challenging situations.

6. Kamish

The First S-Rank Dungeon Boss

Skills: Kamish’s Runestone and Kamish Wrath

In the manhwa, Kamish, it seemed, was undeniably one of the most powerful magical beasts. Although there were hints about his confrontation with Elite-level Hunters, the specifics of this battle remain vague because the story did not delve deeply into the details of the incident.

In a different phrasing, Jinwoo attempted to recruit Kamish into his covert group, yet it didn’t work out. Given Kamish’s immense power, he might have significantly influenced the narrative if he had received more focus. In fact, he could potentially have been a stronger antagonist than the Ant King.

5. Lee Joohee

Sung Jinwoo’s Friend

Skills: Strength Buff, Healing Magic, and Burn Booster

Lee Joohee is a thoughtful and caring young lady who consistently supported Sung Jinwoo, even during his tough times as an E-ranker. She ensured he never felt alone and went as far as saving his life on multiple instances. Many fans hoped their relationship would blossom, but it remained purely platonic.

In the series, Joohee became less prominent after Sung began advancing in power. Although her hunting skills might not have been impressive, she had the potential to be a valuable friend to Jinwoo, much like Yoo Jinho, who supported him throughout their shared experiences.

4. Goto Ryuji

Japan’s Strongest Hunter

Skills: Enhanced Strength and Enhanced Speed

Ryuji, often referred to as Japan’s top hunter, was presented as the head of Asia’s second largest guild, the Draw Sword Guild. Much like other combat-oriented hunters, he was a relentless warrior, preferring to take the offensive against his opponents from the start.

On Jeju Island, Ryuji headed the Japanese group with the aim of ensuring their Korean counterparts had no issues eliminating the Ant Queen. However, events unfolded as expected until the Ant King launched an unforeseen attack, leaving everyone stunned. In this situation, Goto should have fought valiantly to uphold his standing, but instead met a pitiful end that unfortunately tarnished his reputation and made him seem commonplace. Ryuji had the potential to become an impressive antagonist, but it was the Ant King who ultimately stole the limelight from him.

3. Liu Zhigang

China’s 7-Star Hunter

Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation, Master Swordsmen, Energy Slash Attack, and Ruler’s Authority

Instead of some National-Level Hunters who received minimal recognition, Liu Zhigang occasionally shone brightly. His extraordinary combat style, both visually stunning and effective against magical beasts, drew attention. Despite his significant skills and power, Liu’s influence on the story was not as substantial as it could have been if he had been utilized more effectively in the manhwa.

It seems likely that Zhigang significantly influenced the formation of his nation’s hunting groups, and given his global standing, it is likely he took part in significant raids that have molded today’s world. Regrettably, he often goes unrecognized throughout the narrative, even during later stages where he could have made a more substantial impact. Conversely, Liu’s skills remained untapped and served primarily as a developmental stepping stone for Sung’s character progression.

2. Christopher Reed

One of the Strongest American Hunters

Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation and Ruler’s Authority

Prior to Sung Jinwoo’s revival, Christopher Reed was recognized as the third-best hunter globally. Holding the title of a National Level Hunter, he possessed extraordinary talents that surpassed many top S-rankers worldwide. One of Reed’s most chilling abilities involved transforming into a monstrous figure with a single eye. In this form, he could unleash fires so intense that multiple S-rankers would struggle to put them out.

Regrettably, we lost Christopher from the narrative prematurely. Given more time, he might have made a significant contribution, much like Thomas Andre did. However, it’s unfortunate that manhwa readers didn’t get the opportunity to witness him at his full potential.

1. Siddharth Bachchan

National Level Hunter From India

Skills: Spiritual Body Manifestation and Ruler’s Authority

Siddharth Bachchan, one of the world’s formidable hunters, has made a significant mark in the realm of hunting. Much like other National Elite Hunters, he engaged in the epic confrontation with Kamish and played a pivotal part in conquering the initial S-rank dungeon. Despite his valuable contributions to the Solo Leveling universe, little is known about this enigmatic hunter, as his life remains veiled in mystery. It’s hardly astonishing that he leads India’s largest guild, the Asura Guild. Given his accomplishments and influence, it can be reasonably inferred that he has likely taken part in numerous high-risk operations over the course of his career.

Although Siddharth seems to hold significant promise, he’s scarcely referenced beyond just a handful of chapters. Intriguingly, he isn’t featured at all within the manhwa itself. It appears that the author has overlooked him, which is disheartening given how many readers would have enjoyed witnessing his exploits.

2025-06-01 08:34